Search This Blog

Interview with Yessi Burton of the Experimental Metal Band: Chrysalis

Kicking
up the dirt just outside Barstow, California this bad ass attitude of
being different isn't just a badge of honor work by these band mates
of Chrysalis. No, this is the core of what they are. Chrysalis is
true to the definition of underground, experimental and that creation
to make metal only within the mind's own parameters... just remember
they are yours and not theirs. This crack in the sidewalk of life is
where you find the truth, the heart, the soul of what a band is.

With
a strong forceful directive and the openness to embrace whatever life
is going to throw their way, Chrysalis creates their own unmistakable
sound.

Salacious
Jane: How is the underground indie/metal scene these days?

Yessi
Burton: It sucks. At least it does for a band like us. Chrysalis
doesn't fit into underground sub-genres in the US. And we're
definitely not the only band who has that problem with the
underground. If you're doing anything outside the norm
musically, you'll often be met with indifference and a cold shoulder.

But
there have to be bands like that. Those are the ones who eventually
push things forward. It just takes time for new things to catch on.
There once was a point where today's popular underground scene was
just an idea and a handful of artists.

SJ:
It would seem there must be some advantages to being in that scene.

Yessi
Burton: There are some. We've played really good shows with break
down bands like Face Your Maker, who are of a completely different
style than us. Some fans of that style will understand what we're
doing, but many of them don't like that I sing over heavy guitars.

It's
bar crowds that are often completely thrown off by us. They're so
used to heavy music being something that's sort of macho. Something
like Five Finger Death punch that you pump your fist to. So if we
throw a tempo change at them, they're just like.. "WTF?"
But for those who get it, they become our most dedicated fans.

So
we're pretty cool with being the band you either love or hate.

SJ:
Your sound really can bounce around. The openness of diversity is a
breath of fresh air. Is the ability found in Chrysalis music to
create a variety of styles and sounds unique this day in age in the
realm of metal/rock/experimental?

Yessi
Burton: It's unique in the way we do it. I read a review on the album
recently that said we're alternative with progressive tendencies and
I think that's accurate, but in a stylistic sense. I feel the words
progressive or experimental have come to describe bands with guitar
shredders. We're not too big on that. We just try to make good
songs and we happen to like different kinds of music.

SJ:
Barstow, California is where you all hail from. What was the scene
like out there when you all began your journey back in high school?

Yessi
Burton: The screamo scene was just making its way into our hometown
when we were in high school. We played those kinds of shows but were
often seen as outsiders because we were too heavy. But on the other
hand, we weren't heavy enough for the metal shows. We've just always
been somewhere in the middle.

SJ:
I understand the first full-length album landed you on Warped Tour
back then. What did you all think at that time about all that was
happening?

Yessi
Burton: It was cool. I love warped tour because they embrace variety
and I think we'll find our place in that circuit really soon.

SJ:
What have been some of the most valuable lessons you have learned
from that point of time, Warped... to this last album, Reminder
released on January 13th?

Yessi
Burton: I don't know if there's a specific lesson. Just keep
working hard and moving forward.

SJ:
You had chosen "My Eternity" a dark, horror video track as
your first drop. How did you feel about taking the horror approach
and mixing the elements of revenge and the supernatural?

Yessi
Burton: We just knew we wanted to do something cinematic with the
video. Horror seemed like the obvious choice because it matches
the dark tone of the song. The director, Jonathan Martin,
actually came up with video concept.

SJ:
Going through each track, each can stand on its own. The rock song
"Out Of My Hands" was beautiful and showcased the vocals
and melodies to move like an ocean wave, raging, pulling and flowing
with ease. "Angel" seems to do the same, easing the
listener in and throwing a full throttle down of force. Overall do
each of you have a preference for music presentation and structure?

Yessi
Burton: No. We're into all sorts of different types of music
whether it be complex music with non-standard structuring or simple
catchy music with a traditional structure.

When
we're building a song, we don't try and force it into anything, we
just let it develop and see where it takes us.

SJ:
"Halo" seemed to really step out on its own on this album.
It is multi-layered and catches the ear. The guitar works are
impeccable. What is the back story on this song?

Yessi
Burton: It started out as a very simple song. It was a rough
idea we had laying around. When we went into the studio we
originally picked just 10 songs to record, and "Halo"
didn't even make the cut. At the last minute, we got the go
ahead to do 13 songs and decided to do "Halo."

As
we worked on the song in the studio, we started adding in keyboards
and vocal layers. It worked really well. By the time we
were done with it, it became this really lush layered rock song with
good dynamics. It's a song that's not catchy right away but
grows on you over time.

SJ:
Roping in a punk side "Dancing In Circles" really catches
that side of Deftones, then you go off into the next track,
"Daydreamer" and the sound hints of another path this album
continues to take the listener on. Has anyone ever said to you, "Your
music is boring?" It would seem they'd be daft if they did. You
have mastered so many variants in rock.

Yessi
Burton: Most people say that our sound is interesting if anything.
Even if they don't like it.

SJ:
Who have been some of your major influences over the years, as the
final track, "Up The Stairs" closes this album? Who is the
other vocalist on this track?

Yessi
Burton: Lacuna Coil is my biggest inspiration. I love the dual male
and female vocal parts. On the other hand, I love Deadmau5 and his
genius approach to creating a sound that's unmistakably his own.
Nothing is off the table when it comes to inspiration.

Brigitte
Roka from the band, Aboleth, is the featuring vocalist on the entire
album. It was a challenging collaboration because she has a
Janis Joplin type of voice. We wanted her to do a more operatic kind
of style while, at the same time, keep some of her own grittiness
that makes her Brigitte.

It
took some work, but she obviously nailed it. Especially on "Sleep
in the Rain."

SJ:
You have a relatively short tour in support of this new album almost
at its end. Are there plans already in the works to get back out on
the road soon afterward?

Yessi
Burton: Not at the moment. We plan on shooting a live version of the
album as well as some live studio sessions. There might even be some
acoustic versions in the works.

SJ:
Which song off the new album, Reminder, will be your next
video drop?

Yessi
Burton: "Out of My Hands." I die in a car crash and the
guys play the roles of cops and paramedics. It was a fun video to
shoot.

SJ:
When you are out on tour, tell me as a band does you prefer to tour
with similar genres or are you open to punk, pop punk, hard rock,
melodic metal, and so on?

Yessi
Burton: Since we fall in between many of those sub-genres, we've had
the privilege of touring with all different kinds of bands.
Personally, I prefer to tour with progressive or hard rock bands
because they're more open to listening in on something different.
There's just too much elitism in the metal scene and I'm afraid we
just don't fit into their bubble.

SJ:
Finally, as you look out over 2017- where are the eyes set on this
year?

Yessi
Burton: Snorting more coke, banging more hookers and getting kicked
out of more venues. NOT! [laughed].

Seriously,
we're going to get on some bigger tours so look out for us and come
check out our live set. Even if you don't like our music, our
light show is sure to blow your fucking mind. Chrysalis is a very
audio visual kind of experience.

Your BANGS! All Time Favorites

The land of Michigan has given the world a deluge of multiple necessities and sheer pleasures outside of what at one time was the auto industry mecca. Like its heart and soul of the blue collared working person that breeds an indelible, almost pioneer spirit, the music from here reflects its surroundings as once again this 26th state, added to the Union in January of 1837, is having a rebirth. The possibility of this land known warmly for its industrial explosion in the region of the Great Lakes is now standing at possibly a new dawn... the creation of being a strong contender for the music scene, much like Nashville is today.

With this in mind, the resonating rock and blues plus more yet to be revealed have begun with the band, Greta Van Fleet. They are poised and ready to bring the elements of rock n' roll up to the next level.

Recently bassist Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet took some time out while they are on tour to give their …

Stryper
Brings Metal Stings with Their 30th Anniversary Album Celebration Tour: To
Hell With the Devil with
Song River

It
was a 'sweet' celebration Stryper brought with them everything a
30th-anniversary celebration should bring and then some! The strength
and heart as the yellow and black brought the hard rock attack back
to Arizona, as the Nile Theatre was packed with die hard fans that
came from some sort of faith background so it seemed and included a
wide age group range.

Stryper
really was the premiere heavy metal Christian rock band that came
onto the scene back in the 80's and pioneered the way and without a
doubt still brings the best of it all today. Still working with the
original lineup of vocalist Michael Sweet, drummer Robert Sweet,
bassist Timothy Gaines and guitarist Oz Fox hitting the
30th-anniversary release, 1986's album, To Hell With the Devil.
The album spoke to so many when it was released and today those fans
who fell in love with To Hell With the De…

Adam Ant at the Celebrity Theatre by H. Reavis How does one categorize a man who is one part rock star, several parts romantic highwayman, a dash of the peculiar gentleman, and a whole lot of British? One doesn’t. He must be christened and his name yelled in revered abandon: it’s Adam Ant. With a career spanning more than thirty years, the charismatic Adam has enjoyed chart success, awards (particularly the Q Music Icon Award in 2008), movie roles including Drop Dead Rock with Debbie Harry, and sold out concert performances worldwide. His music videos revolutionized the visual aid for musicians with storytelling in lieu of the standard promo. Drawing from his experience in art school his videos chronicled the adventures of his romantic pirate alter ego in “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming.”

Currently in the throes of another tour called Anthems, which is a follow-up to his successful Kings of the Wild Frontier Tour, Adam, and the band are bringing his extensive singles catalog to b…

Whether it is the challenge of growing up too fast, playing in a band that he loves, flying solo, working on music projects, the loss of a loved one, or just kicking back at home musician/singer-songwriter Michael Sweet greets each day as if it were to be his first and his last. With an eagerness to say yes and come what may. His faith in God has carried him to say, "I am not a man of many regrets." Song River: Being
on tour for a band must be an almighty passion. What is it though
that most bands do when they have a 'day off' while they are out
touring? Michael Sweet: To
be honest, aside from interviews and social media, it is a day we
finally get to do our laundry! [laughed] I am so OCD about doing
laundry. You got to be the first one up if you want to get it done. Song River: Laundry
day has to be a good day! When you are on the road and away from home
what are some of the things you miss? Michael Sweet: Of
course I don't like being away from my fam…